No bassist, whether they tote an electric sold-body or a hollow-bodied semi-acoustic bass would be anything without their amplifier. While you can easily get an all-in-one combo bass amp which packs an amplifier and speaker in one box, you could also opt for a 'stack', where you plant a separate bass amplifier head on top of a speaker cabinet.
The Biggest Names in Bass Amp Heads
Here, you'll find an array of bass amplifiers, including combo bass amplifiers and bass amplifier heads. Bass amp heads are linked to a compatible speaker cabinet via a purpose-designed speaker cable, and the most popular names in the bass amp head game right now include Ampeg, Hartke and Fender, while more 'boutique' brands include Markbass, EBS, Warwick, Darkglass and Bergantino. All of these brands produce an array of different heads, so you'll be able to find the ideal finisher for you and your bass sound.
Portable & Compact Mini Bass Amp Heads
If you don't have the budget for a roadie just yet but you're playing a lot of gigs, then a compact and manageable bass rig that fits in the back of your car is essential. Luckily, many bass amp manufacturer's get it, so they offer plenty of smaller heads and cabinets that are a bit more tour-friendly. The only thing you need to watch out for is the output since you're going to need enough volume to match the rest of the band. If you're nailing lines and practising your technique at home, then you won't need any more than 100 Watts. To support small rehearsals and shows, you'll be fine with 150 to 300 Watts. But if you're playing on larger stages, then you'll need at least 300 Watts to back you up, and to be honest, more Watts are better in this case, just so you're assured that you always have enough volume to be heard.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bass Amplifier Heads
What bass amp head should I go for?
When you're looking for a bass amplifier head, there are couple of important questions you need to ask yourself: how much power will you need? How much loading space do you have? What kind of sound are you looking for? Basically, you want to know that you'll be heard no matter the situation; that your setup will fit in the back of your van; and that you've got an inspiring bass sound to work with. For more help, see our Bass Amplifier Head Buyer's Guide.
What makes a good bass amplifier head?
The best bass amp head will always be the one that gives you the best sound, that you love playing through and that always makes sure you can be heard in the mix with the rest of the band. If you're not sure which amp you should go for, then have a look at the go-to amp of your favourite bassist and from there, make sure it packs enough wattage. For more help, see our Bass Amplifier Head Buyer's Guide.
Which amp head will match my bass?
It makes sense to play a bass that fits your playing style and the sound you want, so it makes just as much sense to get an amplifier head that does the same. It can be worth taking a look at the amps that your favourite bassists use to get an idea of what might suit your sound. For more help, see our Bass Amplifier Head Buyer's Guide.
What kind of wattage should my bass amp head have?
If you're rehearsing at home, then you won't need any more than 100 Watts. For smaller gigs, you'll be fine with 150 Watts or more, and for medium to large gigs, you'll need at least 300 Watts to back you up. For more help, see our Bass Amplifier Head Buyer's Guide.
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